Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta has argued that spending big is not a prerequisite for success on the pitch.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri CEO gave his thoughts ahead of this evening’s Champions League final against Manchester City.

This season, Inter have gone further than just about anyone expected them to in the Champions League.

The Nerazzurri are in the final of the competition. This comes amid a backdrop of financial problems and uncertainty about the future.

Problems with debt and revenues have meant that over the past few transfer windows, Inter have had to make big sales. Meanwhile, coming in the other direction, the club have had to focus on free transfers and other low-cost deals to strengthen the team.

This is quite a marked contrast to the Nerazzurri’s opponents in this evening’s final.

Manchester City have built a dominant team through a project based on big money signings. Meanwhile, other Premier League giants like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal have also been spending big.

Around Europe, the expectation is that to reach the very highest level, big outlays on transfer fees and player wages is necessary.

Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta: Success Is Possible Even Without Spending Big

Inter have certainly bucked this trend by reaching this evening’s final, then.

The Nerazzurri are one of the two last teams standing in the Champions League. They already knocked out big spenders Barcelona.

Meanwhile, the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain will also watch on as spectators this evening.

The architect of Inter’s overachieving on a tight budget has been CEO Marotta.

The 66-year-old has already been in the Champions League final twice before, with Juventus.

Marotta has a reputation for reaching these heights without spending what the absolute biggest teams in Europe do.

“In football, and in sport, you participate to compete at your best,” he said of this evening’s final.

“I’m used to taking on challenges, and when I say that I’m also referring to everyone who works with me.”

“The equation that whoever spends the most wins, is not true,” Marotta made clear.